Deal ‘at an early stage’: The Athletic confirm ongoing Man Utd negotiations over midfielder with ‘tremendous work ethic’

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Utd Report

·19 August 2026

Deal ‘at an early stage’: The Athletic confirm ongoing Man Utd negotiations over midfielder with ‘tremendous work ethic’

Manchester United have been approached by West Bromwich Albion to discuss the terms of a potential transfer for Toby Collyer.

According to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, the deal is ‘at an early stage’, and the midfielder is attracting interest from other clubs.

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#MUFC targeting left-back before window closes. Hybrid midfielder desired. Myles Lewis-Skelly still seen as possible despite his performance in Community Shield. Jorge Salinas cheaper option, potentially meaning United try for Lewis Hall next summer ⬇️https://t.co/iuooPfVzWZ

Toby Collyer preparing for permanent United exit

United are seemingly open to facilitating Collyer’s departure, despite being short of options in the middle of the park.

With @ManUtd in the lead and minutes remaining, Toby Collyer did this...
– Wednesday, 29 January 2025

INEOS have only sanctioned two new arrivals in the form of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while Casemiro is now no longer an option, Manuel Ugarte is sidelined for the foreseeable future, and Mason Mount looks poised to miss Saturday’s season-opener due to a knock sustained against Paris Saint-Germain.

Alas, it wouldn’t go amiss to have someone like Collyer around to provide depth for Michael Carrick, especially with Champions League football back on the schedule.

How has Collyer fared in recent years?

The 22-year-old, hailed for his ‘tremendous work ethic’, spent the first half of 2025/2026 on loan with West Brom, making 12 Championship appearances – but only three starts – to establish some crucial first-team experience.

However, his spell ended prematurely after he suffered a serious calf problem, which led to Collyer returning to Old Trafford in the winter window.

At the end of January, having recovered from his setback, the Carrington graduate then joined Hull City for the remainder of the campaign.

He went on to play only five times for the Tigers before he sustained yet another injury after twisting his ankle in training.

Collyer’s Championship record last term (Transfermarkt)

Collyer, who signed for the Red Devils from Brighton and Hove Albion’s academy in 2022, has featured 13 times for the United senior team thus far.

Isabel Ryan Isabel, 25, is a football writer who has previously gained experience in the industry as the editor of Stretty News, along with work on Caught Offside, Last Word on Football and Give Me Sport. She is now the editor of UtdReport.